The Hollywood Improv (West Hollywood, CA)
The world-famous Hollywood Improv presents stand-up comedy seven nights a week. See top national headliners, the nation's best up-and-coming performers, and more. The club features frequent surprise drop-ins by TV and film's biggest comedy stars.
Event summary prepared by the Goldstar Editorial Team.
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We had a great time! It was not crowded so we were pampered by the staff and the comedians were hilarious! We're definitely going back for more.
I went to the Comedy Juice Collegehumor event on a Wednesday night with my boyfriend and some friends. It was a great night and almost all the comedians kept us constantly laughing. The show started a little late and we had to stand outside for about 20minutes before they even let us in the building. There is a 2 item per person minimum so just watch the prices and you'll be okay. Overall though we all had a great night and we are still talking about some of the material.
The line up of comedians weren't bad. Out of the 5 comedians that went up, I would have to say that 2 were mediocre. A lot of the comedians were spotlighted from networks like Comedy Central, Fox's, Last Comic Standing and one actor from Seinfield.
The host was also from Comedy Central. He seemed as though he would bomb, but quickly came back with reference jokes to his "lame" start.
The 1st Comedian was a Patton Oswald. He was your lazy, fat, online gamer, live at home with Mom, don't care much about what you say comedian. He was alright.
The 2nd Comedian was a Jim Brewer. Crazy, loud, reckless, sexually deprived, and in your face comedian. One of the least favorites of the night.
The 3rd Comedian was a Lewis Black. Ranting about problems in society, complaining on how lazy people are, having issues with political figures, comedian. He was on my top list of favorites of the night~
The 4th Comedian was definitely a Dane Cook. College frat boy, Egotistical, loud, crazy, arrogant, I can have any lady in the room, comedian. The other least favorite of the night.
The 5th and final Comedian was a Larry the Cable Guy. He even had the voice! Southern style hick, lazy, tv worshiping, fat, still fighting with Mom, having issues with society and political figures, comedian.
One of the funnier ones of the night.
Overall the show was great! My girlfriend and I had a good time~ Drinks and food were expensive, but hey.. the admission was cheap, so it had to level out somewhere, right?
this is my second time there, and loved it again! I'll keep coming back!
The comedians were incredibly funny. I would certainly go again.
The doormen and ticket vendor were very helpful. There is a restaurant and bar area in the front if you want to eat and sit for a bit. The host at the door of the comedy club area led us to some seats behind a curtain and sat us back a bit because we were only a party of two. I didn't like that but they said we could move closer if no one came. (so we did.) The waitstaff were friendly. Only two comics struggled to fly and land a joke here. One guy seemed fairly new and the other guy was trying too hard to be edgy and bombed the audience a bit. The rest were geniuses I wish I could clone, resize with a joke button so that I could get through this week. I mean unlike any of the comedy clubs I've been to in the Midwest, LA is the tip of the volcano. You don't stop laughing and the people are so personable and pro even on your way out. The director/MC/producer stood by the door to shake people's hands! I would definitely recommend this club and could easily become a weekly regular. Go on your own, with ya' mom, with a lovah, or with friends. You will won't be there long without a long gut wrenching laugh!
The event started at 10 pm so we arrived at 9:30 pm. We valet parked because it was only $5, and most of the street parking was unavailable. They started letting us in around 10 pm. You have to wait in a single file as you are entering the venue because the staff chooses where you sit based on the number of people in your party. Also, some tables are already reserved. There is a 2-item minimum when ordering. The food was decent. We ordered the mozzarella sticks and the spinach and artichoke dip. For the most part, most of the comedians were pretty funny. At first, I wasn't sure if we were going to laugh at all because the first one was horrible. It was a great evening. The show lasts almost 2 hours. It was pretty much a full house when we went so try to arrive at a decent time if you want to get a good seat.
Refried Friday's is a Great way to kick off the weekend ! Every Comic that came on stage had me
peeing in my pants.
great seats and I was laughing all night.
Always a great time!!! I have not yet been disappointed at the hollywod improv all the times I've been there.
This review has two parts:
1) Performance: The comedy line-up was good; all solid performers with a little bit of something for everyone. The headliner did not disappoint.
2) Venue: If you're on a budget this is NOT the place to go. Beware that they have a two item minimum once you're in the theatre area, so even though the tickets are $10 or $14 dollars, you pay at least another $20 once you're inside the theatre. I understand they need to survive as a business but it was a little over the top (ex. if you order a drink at the bar, it doesn't count towards your two item minimum in the theatre).
Bottom line, the comedy acts ranged from B- to A. If you don't mind a pricey venue, you'll have a great time.
"MO BETTA' MONDAYS ALL-STAR COMEDY JAM, featuring the hottest Urban comedians from all over the country." As two of a handful of "non-urban" attendees, we were seated at the very front of the stage. Prime seats to be picked on, and picked on my date was. All in good fun of course; he even got called on stage to learn the "stinky leg" dance which to the audience's surprise, he did pretty well :o)
Definitely one of those nights you couldn't have imagined in your wildest dreams but a belly full of laughs indeed!!
Ordered some beer and fries as our two item minimum although the buffalo wings and onion rings at the next table smelled pretty good too.
I took my boyfriend to the Improv on a Tuesday night for Hot Comedy Night. We both had an amazing time together. Expect to sit at a table with a group of people that you don't know. However, the comedians were great. There was even an unexpected celebrity guest that arrived, and performed for about 30 minutes. My stomach hurt from laughing so much. The lemon drop martini was amazing, and the chocolate cake was delicious. Our bill at the end of the night was afordable. I will definately be returning to the Hollywood Improv soon.
Nice staff, clean, every seat in the house is a good one. Russell Peters was absolutely amazing. Most of the comedians were good (be prepared for raunchy, sexual humor). There was only one that really went too far and the whole audience became tense/awkward.... But out of a line-up of almost 10 comedians, we could handle those 7 minutes. With over a 2 hour show, you definitely get your money's worth.
...SIDE NOTES: Casual dress, free parking on the street, be prepared to be made fun of if sitting in the front.
WE HAD A REALY GOOD TIME, DRINKS A BIT TO EXPENSIVE THOUGH A BOTTLE OF WATER $5.00, WOW
Comedy was great... always a laugh!
Normally the Hollywood Improv delivers consistently funny comedians this weekend it seemed like their 10pm line up should of been doing the 8pm show. It was funny but even after having a few drinks I didn't find myself laughing all that much.
Loved it very very funny had me so laughing hard XD
Hilarious!!!!!! Everyone is amazingly great! Going back next monday! lol
Went to the Late Night Comedy Orgy and had a good time. Lots of comics, some were better than others. A few were hilarious. The venue is a fun place that does a decent job of taking care of you. Drinks aren't unreasonably expensive either.
It was an informal but lively affair that served its purpose - getting me to laugh. Each comic had a completely different style and spoke to different people, and afterwards you could chat them up in the bar and relive some of the better punchlines. I enjoyed it and I'd go again.
The comedians were hysterical and the food is awesome!
There were 4 of us who went to this show on 6/12. It was our first time there and we had a GREAT time. There were at least 10 different comics and most of them were incredibly funny except for a couple. I would definitely recommend this to anyone. We'll be going again soon!!! =)
The comedians were hit and miss. I thought a couple comedians really had some witty and quality observations with a super dynamic delivery. Others went for cheap humor: cuss a lot-that'll make 'em laugh; be crass, crude, and sexual-you can't go wrong with sex; racist jokes were a hot topic too; and lets make fun of the insecure audience members because making fun of a person to their face is kosher.
The guys (all the comedians were men) who put together something genuine was genuinely funny. They clearly put some work into their show.
My wife and I had fun nonetheless and would probably go back: the tickets were cheap and it got us out of the house.
Great way to the spend the week night. I didn't recognize many of the comics, but they were all still really funny. The show started a little late, so we had to wait by the bar which got very crowded.
It was really a 5 star event! These shows are usually hit or miss, but last night's show was a hit! Everyone of the comedians were fabulous, one of the best comedy shows I have been too! I am actually planning to go back next week! Staff were very friendly so were the comedians after the show......Great venue!
We had dinner there for the 8:00pm show, which was pointless. The show was so empty that we could have sat anywhere and we didn't need to eat there to get VIP Seating. Also the food was sooooo not worth it. The service is horrible and the waitress was argumentative when she made a mistake. We asked for ice tea. She said we only had Snapple ice tea and then brought us a fruit Snapple and when I asked her about the tea, she was like well I SAID it was snapple. Um yeah but this is Strawberry Kiwi and not ice tea. OH, well we only have diet. Uh huh why didn't you just say that?!?! The comedians were funny 50% of the time. 80% according to my friend. The only reason that I didn't rate this event as I hate it, Ralphie May from the Last Comic Standing showed up and totally killed it.
This show was great! OMG we were laughing the wholde shoW~!
Refried Fridays rock. I had a great time. It's been a long time since I laughed so hard I cried. Drinks aren't cheap, but I had a lot of fun.
ALways a good time!
Loved it! I cried from laughing so hard. I would go again. Excellent price. Highly recommened.
It was packed for a Wednesday night! Pretty good line up but not the best show I've seen at this venue. It was definitely a good time!
I got there 45 min. early and was told they'd let us in in 15-20 min. They did not let us in for 75 min., 1/2 hr. AFTER the show was to begin, all the while letting about 30 people in before those of us on line.
The show WAS funny, but the headliner was NOT!
I probably won't go back because there are too many other great comedy venues in this town.
We had a great time!! Comedians, including the host, were hilarious!!! We'll definitely be going back.
Street Parking ...FREE
Two tickets ...$10
Four Stellas (bottled beer) ...$29
Last minute, cheap entertainment, late on a Saturday night... PRICELESS.
Enjoyed the show, there was a private party in addition to general seating. Staff was excellent, great service. The comedians gave us a laugh, they each come on for just 10 minutes in the Best and Brightest at the IMPROV.
It was wonderful we haven't laugh that hard in a long time the serves was good and comedians even better. GO to REFRIED FRIDAYS for a good laugh
We actually enjoyed the comedians very much. the hostess wasn't that funny, but she didn't talk all that much, so that was OK. We laughed pretty hard. my face and stomach hurt at the end. And we weren't even drinking! they get really good comedians. i didn't recognize any of them from tv or whatever, but they were easily as funny or funnier than any good standup on tv or hbo special. the headliner was especially hilarious. NO ONE sucked. except the hostess was maybe borderline suck.
Had a great time and would highly recommend it.
The comedians were funny. I was not particularly impressed with the comedy of the 'most famous'comic. His material was from a comedy show he previously taped. The other comics were hilarious. I, as well as my friends, would definetly go back for more. Well worth it.
I had a great time at this event. I was visiting LA for the weekend from San Francisco. We flew in that night and went to the comedy show that same night. It was a chill thing to do when you don't want to get ready and hit the clubs. The staff was very organized. Drinks were a bit pricey specially bc of the two item minimum but you make up for it with how cheap the tickets are to get in. The comedians were hilarious. I definetly recommend this event to others.
The event was alot of fun! We had a great time and the comedians were hilarious!
Free tickets are always a good thing, and the best way to see a comedy show with only a few recognizable names and faces. I liked the video segments of the comics that were performing on stage that night. Watching them punk the Hollywood tour bus was pretty funny.
The comics were not all Jewish-- not that this is a terrible thing, just misleading on the promoting of the event and since this was a night of Jewish comedy, this made me wonder why they couldn't find an all Jewish lineup. The guys all seemed to be embarrassed or ashamed of being Jewish, or half Jewish, or made some comment about not being brought up Jewish. Plus, the comics did not really dress very well-- we should be entertained by people who at least dressed as nice as the audience. They looked like a bunch of bums, and the host was a mess. The funniest of all the comics was a black woman who is married to a Jewish man. The gal who we were told had supposedly won Last Comic Standing-- not sure how that was possible-- was just ok, really not that funny. Honestly, it was a weak lineup overall. Clearly the audience was not that into the comics, and all but one of them complained about that to the audience-except the black woman who was really very funny. She had a lot of reaction from the audience. I would not go back to see this promoter's comics again, sorry!
One of the funniest show. Must see for every comedy lover straight or gay.
We had a fabulous time...the comedians were super talented and funny! Nice to see a gay oriented show. We will definitely be back!
We had a good time. Lot's of laughs!
An interesting way to spend election night.
It was so hilarious and so much fun! The only annoying thing was that there is a 2 item minimum, but obviously did not damper the occasion.
Donnell was great!!! Food was awful, and the waitress was f'n rude!!!
The two item minimum is definitely an unnecessary pressure. The comedians were great! We loved Brian Keith Etheridge and of course Greg Fitsimmons.
My boyfriend and I had a great time. All the comedians were hilarious and I would recommend this to anyone as a good night out.
We really enjoyed Hollywood Improv, especially Ralphie May whose jokes were hilarious. Great place to spend the evening!
Very funny, and the comedians used the audience as an interactive part of their act.
Had an amazing time. Great laughs and good drinks. The staff adds an 18% gratuity to your check, SOP for a comedy club. Well worth the money.
I had a great time at the show! The comedians were hilarious, and the place was nice, somewhat intimate and not super crowded. Also, parking was fairly easy and we found free parking which is awesome for West Hollywood!! Definitely want to go back!!
great show!, definately all adult humor so not for anyone who cant take sexual humor. Dinner was excellent before the show.
Not crowded on a Tuesday night. pleasant staff. ample street parking for free. great emcee, enjoyed all comediants but two, so that's about 8 great ones. would definitely recommend and go again
The event was great! Had lots of fun! Comedians were Excellent!!!
It was a sold out show and we ended up waiting in line for about an hour (kind of annoying) but it was an awesome show and we had great seats. The drinks were fairly priced but don't order the chicken tenders.
I loved it! I was very skeptical about the show because of the great price i got them for at goldstar, but it definitely exceeded my expectations. Everyone should def go to ANY improv show @ The Famous Improv in Hollywood. The show was more of a standup deal than an improv show. But still GREAT. The only downside is the price does not include the mandatory 2 item purchase at the show.
This event was very nice. The atmosphere was nice and the comedians were very funny. The problem I wasn't too happy about was the service. There's a two item minimum which is not a problem for me, but how can you add 15% gratuity when it's only two people. I don't think the waitress deserved 15%. I didn't expect to pay $80.00 for 4 drinks and spinach dip.
Love the Improv!! Always a great line up of Talent!
Enjoyed the Improv and the food was good, 4 different comedians, really only liked one, I know they all say bad words but some of it was just really bad taste. Was dissappointed in the main act seemed like he didn't want to be there
Tips are provided by Goldstar members and Hollywood Improv. Goldstar is not responsible for their content or accuracy.
The Improv is famous for launching the careers of stars like Andy Kaufman, Tim Allen, David Letterman, Jay Leno, Elaine Boozler and many others. In the spirit of the Improv tradition, surprise performances are a common occurrence. The Improv offers a full-service bar and serves dinner, appetizers and dessert nightly. The 2-item minimum can be fulfilled with alcoholic drinks, soda, coffee or des
Website: http://www.symfonee.com/improv/hollywood
The world-famous Hollywood Improv presents stand-up comedy seven nights a week. See top national headliners, the nation's best up-and-coming performers, and more. The club features frequent surprise drop-ins by TV and film's biggest comedy stars.
Headliner shows:
November 6, 2009, 8:00pm: Jim Short
Australian born, Jim moved to America with his parents in 1979. He began his career in comedy in Dallas, TX and now resides in San Francisco.
Jim Short was deemed one of the "Talk of the Fest" performers at 2004's Montreal International Just for Laughs Comedy Festival. He has appeared on Comedy Central's "Premium Blend", "Shorties Watching Shorties", as well as "Late Night with Conan O'Brien", NBC's "Late Night Friday", A&E's "Comedy on the Road", and "The Late Show with David Letterman". He was recently the winner of the 29th Annual San Francisco International Comedy Festival.
He has toured throughout the United States with an act comprised of a mix of personal observations on pop and social culture, world media and history, and television and music references.
November 7, 2009, 7:30 and 9:30pm: Aaron Karo
Aaron Karo presents an all-new stand-up event inspired by his latest book, “I’m Having More Fun Than You” – a hilarious exploration of bachelor life from the alcohol-fueled pursuit of chicks in bars to sophisticated advances on defenseless bridesmaids. As his thirtieth birthday approaches, Karo observes the women around him growing increasingly desperate to tie the knot and finds himself equally determined – to remain uncommitted. What follows is an outrageous account of one man’s quest to party like a rock star, get laid with abandon, and silence his critics in relationships with the rebuke “I’m having more fun than you.”
Karo is a bestselling author and creator of the celebrated email column “Ruminations.” He has performed on “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” and his latest stand-up album “Just Go Talk to Her” was released by Comedy Central Records. I’m Having More Fun Than You was published by HarperCollins on September 15th, 2009.
November 13, 2009, 8:00pm: Donnell Rawlings
Donnell Rawlings is an overnight success a decade in the making. You’ve seen him on Comedy Central’s award winning and critically celebrated Chappelle’s Show as ‘Ashy Larry’, the 70’s jheri curled ‘Beautiful’, and numerous other characters he’s played. Donnell is the franchise player Dave Chappelle and Neal Brennan wanted as a writer and prime time player on their team. Since Dave Chappelle had business to take care of in Africa, Donnell was asked to step into the huge shoes Dave left behind, and host the Lost Episodes. “Hilarious” is what Linda Stasi of The New York Post calls Donnell’s performance as host.
His unique brand of observational humor earned Donnell co-hosting duties On Power 105’s (NY’s #1 Hip Hop and R&B radio station) morning show “Egypt and Ashy in the Morning”. Currently Donnell can be seen regularly on E!’s hit show “Chelsea Lately”. He also enjoyed a reprising his character of Day-Day Price on HBO’s Emmy-Award winning series “The Wire” during a 3-episode arc, during the show’s final season (2007-2008).
November 14, 2009, 7:30 and 9:30pm: Todd Glass
No stranger to television, Todd Glass was one of the house finalists in the wildly successful seasons of the NBC reality series, Last Comic Standing 2 and Last Comic Standing 3: Battle of the Best. His television appearances are many, including performances on The Sarah Silverman Show, Chelsea Lately, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Late Night With Conan O’Brien, Showbiz Show with David Spade, Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn and Politically Incorrect.
Todd has also become a veritable fixture on Comedy Central, recently headlining his own half-hour standup special Comedy Central Presents: Todd Glass. Todd is also no stranger to working with talent. In addition to touring with David Spade, Todd has performed with Jack Black and Tenacious D.
Recurring Shows:
Mo' Better Mondays
Monday night will never be boring again with Mo' Better Mondays at the Hollywood Improv. Here, the hottest urban comedians from around the U.S. stop in for a night that'll leave you laughing so hard, you won't be able to resist returning next week! Host DeRay Davis' credits include Barbershop, Semi-Pro, BET's Comic View, and skits on Kanye West's albums The College Dropout and Late Registration.
Richard Villa's Refried Fridays
The world-famous Improv serves you Refried Fridays, the hottest Latino Night to hit Hollywood in years. Hosted by Richard Villa, the show is a rotating line-up of the funniest Latino comics mixed in with some very special guests. Come see what everyone is talking about.
Comedy Juice College Night
This always-popular night features the best comedians in the country, with amazing lineups of comics you know from TV. The show has been featured in US Weekly, on CNN Headline News and on Sirius Satellite Radio.
Daryl Wright's Ignorance is Bliss
Ignorance is not necessarily a bad thing. This show allows some of today’s funniest comics to loosen their ties and give you the type of comedy that you’ve been dying for. When political correctness is thrown out the window and comics are allowed to run wild, you will understand why Ignorance Is Bliss.
Circus of Joy
What is Circus of Joy? Circus of Joy is the first stand-up show to deliver joy in circus form. The words and the order in which they are said is very important and these performers know it. Hailing from all areas they will impress you with their verbal control. Newness is what you seek? Then Circus of Joy is for you. Jackassery is what you long for? Consider the void filled by Circus of Joy. Why continue to dwell at your festival of loneliness when the Circus of Joy is well-peopled and comfortable?
Men's Club Comedy Show
The gentlemen of The Men's Club seek a return to the stylish days of comedy, when a show really was a “show.” When the performers - as well as the audience - stepped out in their best wardrobe, enjoyed themselves onstage and didn’t mind ribbing each other in full view of all. After all, a show is a communal experience, and why leave the folks beyond the spotlights out of the equation? And with each member a veteran of more than ten years on the national comedy circuit, the comedians of The Men's Club revel in providing an experience beyond the ordinary comedy show.
Bay Hil-Area
This night of comedy features some of the hottest comics that currently, or have had at one time, called the San Francisco Bay Area home.
Cocktail Hour Comedy
Come out to a special late-night Improv-produced show, featuring some of the Improv's favorite comics! What is so special about this show?? It's got the next generation of powerhouse headliners breaking out with the funny late-night. Come out and enjoy the front bar and restaurant early to kick off a live Saturday night!
Best & Brightest
Come out and see The Improv’s most amazing talent! Combining up and coming comics with seasoned veterans and today’s hottest acts, it is always an amazing show!
Naughty with Sam Tripoli
The Naughty Show Live is more than a show, it’s a party that encourages people to have a lot of laughs and maybe make a few bad (yet enjoyable) decisions. Featuring some of the top comics in business with material they can’t use on TV, crazy comedy videos with an adult theme, and some insane audience participation segments that ensure a hilarious time is had by all, the Naughty Show Live may be the greatest comedy party ever.
Richmond's House of Comedy
Comedian Adam Richmond has gathered with his funny friends to put together one of the most high energy, explosively hysterical comedy show that you'll find in Hollywood...even Southern California...perhaps the world.
Tim Mars Presents Valley Nights
The show's name was inspired by the high energy comedy shows Tim was producing in a few bars in the San Fernando Valley. Now the show has moved out of dive bars and into the World Famous Hollywood Improv! The energetic and supportive Valley Nights audience has attracted some of the best comedians in history.
Gays R Us
Jason Dudey, Jennie McNulty and Erin Foley bring you the best gay comedy show in West Hollywood!!! Gay, Straight, Bi or simply mysterious, you're going to love these comics' takes on life. Featuring acts seen on Comedy Central, Letterman, MTV and the Logo Channel.
Lounge Act
Lounge Act with Matt and John is a different kind of comedy show. In a non-pretentious and laid-back atmosphere, the best comics in the country are able to perform without interruption, producing shows that defy the traditional comedy-club experience. Presented by Matt Ralston and John Sanders, Lounge Act is a show for people who frequent comedy clubs, and also those who have never before been to a show.
The New Deal Show
The New Deal is a show directly ripping off FDR’s ideas to restructure comedy shows, and using them to your advantage. You deserve to see some of your favorite comics from Comedy Central, NBC, and National Lampoon. You also deserve to see your favorite comics with some of the best of LA’s hottest and newest comedians. Isn’t it about time you enjoyed your Sundays again?
Ryan Sickler Presents: The Re-Up
The Re-Up is the Hollywood Improv's newest late night standup show! Comedian Ryan Sickler brings the best comics in the country to the stage. You'll see comics who are regularly featured on Comedy Central, HBO, Showtime, Late Night TV and the Big Screen. It's time to re-up.